William Thomas "Bill" Hodge, III

Bill was the son of the late Rev. G.C. & Alma Simmons Hodge. He grew up in Biloxi, MS where his father was pastor of First Baptist Church. He graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science degree and received his Master’s degree from New York University. While at Mississippi College, he met & courted June Myers. They married and enjoyed 71 happy years together. After serving in in the Army Air Corps in Japan during the Korean War, Bill returned to the states and worked as a meteorologist in Des Moines, Iowa where he and June were blessed with the birth of two daughters. Later, the family moved to Rapid City, SD and Huron, SD where he served as the state climatologist. In 1959, a move to Asheville, NC brought an opportunity to work with the National Weather Records Center as meteorologist, senior scientist, and Chief of the Climatic Information Branch. Bill retired after 36 years of Federal service. During his career he authored 21 books and scientific papers and received awards for exceptional contributions to national and international research programs. While living in Asheville, Bill & June experienced many happy hours together, hiking the mountain trails and visiting scenic spots. In 1986 they moved to Ocean Springs, MS and later to Clinton, MS. Bill & June were long-standing and active members of First Baptist Church in Asheville, NC, First Baptist Church in Ocean Springs, MS and most recently, Northside Baptist Church in Clinton, MS. Bill served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and member of many church committees.

Bill maintained a small weather station at each of their residences and kept track of daily weather conditions, analyzing and charting his data. Possessed of a lively and curious mind, he was a voracious reader & researcher on a wide range of topics including not only meteorology but also religious studies, Biblical archaeology, antiques, music, photography, genealogy, history, automobile and home repair, and financial investments. Although quite serious about his research and learning, Bill possessed a quick wit and a playful spirit that was most evident when he was with his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

Bill is survived by his wife of 71 years, Doris June Myers Hodge, daughters Marilyn (Lowe) and Marsha (Solomon), son-in-law Gary Solomon, grandson Eric Lowe and wife, Megan, grandson Christopher Lowe and wife Ann, great-granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Lowe, sister Alma Simmons Rose, and many extended family members. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his older brother G.C.Hodge, Jr.

Services will be held at Northside Baptist Church on Thursday, October 15, 2015 with visitation at 3:00 PM and the service at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Advent/Christmas Mission Fund at Northside Baptist Church, 1475 East Northside Drive, Clinton, MS 39056 or to a charity of your choice.